[Biochemical action mechanisms and pharmacokinetics of psychoactive drugs]

A short review is given on the effects of antidepressant drugs (tricyclic thymoleptics and MAO inhibitors), neuroleptics and lithium salts on catecholamine and serotonin metabolisms in brain. The second part deals with some pharmacokinetic investigations with these psychotropic drugs. In connection with tricyclic thymoleptics some factors influencing steady-state plasma concentration and their relation to the therapeutic effect are discussed. Furthermore, recent investigations into the pharmacokinetics of lithium salts are dealt with.